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Top 10 things to do in Okayama Prefecture: Summer
If you're visiting western Japan in the summer, you should try some of these specialties of Okayama prefecture. Here are my top 10 things to do / try in Okayama (Summer version), in no particular order:1. Enjoy a lazy afternoon on a golden sand beach. There are loads of beaches in the sout…(885 words)
Andrea Miyata
Cheapest Places for Karaoke in Japan
Karatetsu is my go-to karaoke place. The reasons are clear. 1. Cheap2. Carries one of the most number of songs, which is perfect for someone like me who enjoys singing songs in English.The prices are pretty mind-blowing in comparison to places like Shidax or Big Echo that charge 650yen/30mi…(338 words)
GenS
The legacy of the Samurai is alive and well in Fukushima
One of the most renowned samurai regions, Fukushima has captivating history and culture to share with visitors. With full days of castles, training grounds, arts, lodging, food and drinks, the fun and educational trip to Shirakawa, Aizu, and Nihonmatsu gave us all a clear picture of what it meant…(1012 words)
DeepJapan Editor
Enjoy Breathtaking Mountain Scenery and Buddhist Holy Sites on Mt. Nokogiri!
Mt. Nokogiri, literally “Saw Mountain”, is located on the Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture. It's only about a 1.5-hour drive, or a 2-hour train ride from Tokyo, so it's perfect if you're looking for a relaxing and worthwhile day trip. The best way to start your visit is to take the ropeway cable …(242 words)
CHIBA-KUN
Enjoy a pleasant and relaxing lunch time at “Furusato”！
Chiba Prefecture offers tourists all sorts of sightseeing experiences, and if you're looking for a spot to avoid the crowds and enjoy the charms of the countryside, I recommend a visit to the “Furusato” restaurant in Kimitsu. I recently took a trip there to enjoy a delicious meal in a lovely rural …(509 words)
CHIBA-KUN
Best Tourist Souvenir-- Samurai Umbrella!
Purchasing a real samurai sword in Japan is very difficult, especially after they enforced the laws against the possession of knives a couple years ago. I also assume that taking a samurai sword out of Japan will definitely be a hassle at the airport. A better option might be purchasing the samurai…(112 words)
GenS
Yubara Onsen (Valentine Special)
If you're looking for a special way to spend Valentine's Day in the Chugoku region, how about a trip up to Yubara Onsen? Located in Maniwa City, Yubara is Okayama Prefecture's most well-known hot spring town, and is situated along the Asahi River and next to the Yubara Dam.Yubara is a hot sprin…(271 words)
Andrea Miyata
Tenkara Fishing – From Ancient Japan to A Popular Sport With 80 Outlets in the United States
On a summer hike with a family friend in Winter Park, Colorado, we meandered into a conversation about Japan, my home for 29 years. Wow, Japan! That is so great! Tenkara is one of my favorite fishing styles! I love it!” My Cousin’s best friend’s husband from Boulder Colorado lit up with excitement …(953 words)
5@example.com
Manhole Covers Highlight Local Features
This is because they are emblazoned with cartoon characters or buildings that have a connection to the local area. There has even been an increase in the number of so called “manhole-joshi,” that is women who like to take pictures of unique “design manhole” covers. A panel discussion event called “…(264 words)
HiraganaTimes
Hakone's Hidden Wonder: My Favourite Temple in Japan
Daiyuzan Saijo-ji is a breathtaking Buddhist temple that was built more than 615 years ago. Although it is still frequented by devout worshipers from all across Japan, it remains one of the less talked about magnificent places in Kanagawa Prefecture. This is probably due to the fact that Daiyuzan S…(247 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Japanese Traditional Bed and Breakfasts: Minshuku
A minshuku is a traditional Japanese bed and breakfast. Minshuku can be found all over Japan but are common especially in tourist spots. Unlike larger ryokan, which are more like traditional Japanese hotels with hot springs and other facilities, minshuku are usually run by the family and are small.…(197 words)
GenS
The Doll's Festival
The Doll's Festival (March 3rd) is the day to celebrate the growth of girls. As bringers of good luck, we eat rhombus-shaped mochi and Hina-arare (sweetened rice-flour cakes for offering at the Dolls' Festival). Hina-arare have 4 colorful rice cakes (pink, green, yellow and white) representing four…(93 words)
OKAKI-sun
Traveling Around the World in Japan at Tobu World Square
Tobu World Square is an amazing one-of-a-kind theme park located in Tochigi Prefecture. It's famous for exhibiting 1/25th scale replicas of famous buildings from around the world, including ancient monuments, cultural treasures and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Every model is reproduced and displaye…(405 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
My favorite trips to the old towns in JAPAN
SugitoTtown（杉戸町）, which located in Saitama Prefecture is one of the post-station towns developed along the Nikko Highway（日光街道） in Edo period.The Highway starts from Nihombashi（日本橋） in Tokyo and reach Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture.This town is one of the 21 post towns along the Hig…(566 words)
Erika1228
Enjoy a Shiatsu Massage and Great Scenery at Enoshima Island, Japan
Shiatsu massage (finger pressure massage) is a traditional Japanese massage in which the practitioner uses his or her fingers and palms to put pressure on different parts of the body. A shiatsu massage can be done all over the body but my favorite is the Shiatsu foot massage. Feet have multiple ner…(190 words)
GenS
Spend the day in old Tokyo - follow this guide for an easy outing.
The Yanaka area of Tokyo (in Taito Ward) is a wonderful place for a day's outing. Start at the south exit of Nippori Station (Yamanote line). Exit the station, turn left, at the end of the walk take the steps to your left up to Tennoji Temple. It was founded over 500 years ago, but was destroyed in…(1247 words)
Joe Peters
Old Saidaiji Railway
Saidaiji is well-known for its Hadaka Matsuri or Naked Festival but few people, even locals are aware that there was once a light rail line that ran to central Okayama City. Saidaiji Railway was in operation from 1911 to 1962 and provided transport along the 11.4 kilometers between what was then Sa…(364 words)
Kenji
Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto: Walking the stairs to heaven....
There are many beautiful things to visit in Kyoto and for very good reasons. If you fancy a little bit of fresh air and a walk in the forest, Inari Shrine of Fushimi is the place to go.Inari Shrine is one of the many UNESCO world heritages in Kyoto and it attracts many tourists. But if yo…(553 words)
Claire
Edo Wonderland - See the Legends!
I will admit that this was one of the most memorable adventures of my first trip to Japan. It is all very interactive and you can actually experience the Edo period lifestyle first-hand. This is a wonderful place to see and take part in the living history and culture of the Edo period. This cult…(223 words)
Dolores
Japan Bible Home - Perfect Getaway place from Tokyo!
Most people know Minakami for skiing in winter, water sports in summer and bungee-jumping. It is a good place to make a one day trip from Tokyo and you can find a lot of economical ski lots and eating places. However, in summer this year I visited this place tucked away in the mountains and I w…(460 words)
INTERVIEW 1: Finding... Work in Japan
I'd like to start my interviews of people from outside of Japan whom have found work in Japan, with Michael Meyer, from Berlin, Germany.JB: Welcome Michael and thanks for agreeing to share your story.Michael we were in contact while you were in your native Germany, before you came to Japan, a…(2101 words)
GoodPeople
Magical Cat Bus Ride to the Airport (1 of 3)
In the thirteen plus years that I’ve lived in Japan, I’ve never once taken the bus to the airport. That seemed to me an incredibly peculiar thing to admit, so I took it upon myself to do something about it. Living in Yokohama and very near Yokohama Station, it was a no brainer to finally give the Y…(433 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Hiroshima's Botanical Gardens
A visit to Hiroshima city in Spring or Summer should include a stop by the Botanical Gardens in Saiki-ku, only a 30 minute drive from Hiroshima city center or a 40 minute bus ride from the bus center (inside Sogo department store). It is an easy stop-off on the way to or from one of Hiroshima's…(311 words)
jjwalsh
Nihon Minka-en Enjoy a quiet stroll through a collection of old style traditional village houses
Escape the busy city for a while and let the olden days of Japan enrich your life. Located in Kawasaki's Ikuta Ryokuchi Park, the "oasis for the heart" of Nihon Minka-en might just bring traditional Japanese scenery alive for you (photo 1).Nihon Minka-en has 25 structures on display, including tr…(622 words)
Kanagawa P.G.T.D.
The Haruka Express: Reaching Osaka & Kyoto from Kansai International Airport (KIX)
The Kansai International Airport (KIX) serves the Japanese cities of Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe and Nara. All Japan Rail Pass holders can take advantage of their pass to the fullest, by using it to reach the downtown areas of Kyoto or Osaka, using the Haruka Express, which is the direct connection between …(789 words)
Carlos P.
Kure port town and surrounding islands on the inland sea.
Kure port town and surrounding islands on the inland sea. The historic and beautiful port town of Kure is located between the more famous tourist destinations of Hiroshima and Onomich. A mere 60 minutes on the local train on the Sanyo main line directly from Hiroshima Station. For those …(545 words)
Robert
Destination: Amakusa, Sea Cruise!
Are you having a hard time finding something fun to do with your family, loved ones or just on your own, while traveling in Kyushu? Don’t look further, your destination is Amakusa in Kumamoto prefecture! Here you can find the Sea Cruise sightseeing agency with its unique marine cruise services and …(283 words)
DeepJapan Editor
Washi: Japanese traditional paper in Yamanashi
Yamanashi prefecture is a beautiful area boasting three of the highest mountains of Japan. The most famous is, of course, Mt. Fuji. Yamanashi can be easily accessed from Tokyo, the largest city in Japan. From Tokyo, it takes only 2 hours to Yamanashi. The Kofu valley is at the center of the pref…(1474 words)
DeepJapan Editor
My Top 7 Japan Travel Advice for Filipinos
Due to its popularity, Japan remains among the top country’s Filipino travelers want to visit. I can only agree that this is a good choice since the country has so much to offer. Even though it is famous for being expensive in terms of commodities, transportation, and accommodation, I urge Filipino…(1114 words)
Ada
Fukurotei, A Rural Oasis
Although I’ve lived in Chiba prefecture for just a little over 15 years, I have never had an opportunity to visit Sosa city. My recent trip this past month was my first venture out to one of the lesser known parts of Chiba prefecture. Just a short train ride outside of the very lively Chiba city, t…(417 words)
CHIBA-KUN
Royal Wing from Osanbashi Pier in Japan
Osanbashi pier is in Yokohama, but it is easily accessible from Tokyo on the Toyoko line. I grew up in Yokohama and have taken the cruise on the royal wing a couple of times. The cruise is very beautiful and you get a nice tour of Yokohama Bay. The ship will go under Yokohama Bay Bridge and then ma…(153 words)
GenS
Not Quiet Temples and Shrines
Some Japanese temples are beautifully quiet places with peaceful gardens. Before I came to Japan I mistakenly imagined all temples and shrines would be like that. I was thinking of ponds with koi carp and turtles, perfectly maintained leaf-free stone gardens, and areas sculpted with moss and plants…(255 words)
David
Tokuyama Shoes
Tokuyama Shoes has its home in Kawanehoncho, tucked away in the northwestern side of Shizuoka Prefecture, inland from Shizuoka City and away from the more famous parts of the prefecture, which is home to half of the sacred Mt. Fuji and also the Izu Peninsula, with its world-class onsen and sightsee…(444 words)
mikekato
Escape To Nikko
If you really want a chance to experience a taste of ‘traditional’ Japan, like you might see in the movies, you should check out a place like the city of Nikko. It is only a two hour bullet train, shinkansen, ride away from Tokyo station. Frequently you hear about going to Kyoto, the old capito…(508 words)
Alex
Fall in Japan: Top 5 Things to Do
I love fall, it is by far my favorite season! In Japan the profusion of Japanese maples and ginkgos also ensure that it is one of the most dramatic, beautiful seasons to visit.So, here are a few ideas to thoroughly enjoy autumn in Japan:1- Spend Time in NatureSeriously, the foliage is stu…(412 words)
Chiara
Kawagoe, Saitama - so near, yet so far away…in time
Many people, whether visiting Japan or residing here, long to experience the traditional side of this fascinating culture. They want to walk the streets as the samurai once did.But whether due to time or other factors, the prospect of a trip to Kyoto may be difficult. Even a visit to Nikko - th…(542 words)
GoodPeople
Google Translate app takes down language barrier
From June 2014 I have had the opportunity to fly into Mexico for business.Right now Mexico is a hot spot for the automotive industry.Many Japanese automotive companies are in a rush to locate in the Central Highlands in Mexico. The company I work for has a factory in Guadalajara. My job is to…(421 words)
Yuuki I
Spring is coming in Oku Nikko
Dave had been stocking up a stash of Belgian beers for several years. That’s right – years. A connoisseur was Dave; knew what he liked and savoured produce at its optimum. Mind you, the Dave that was, still is.He had been making lunchtime runs from work to the international supermarket, almost…(481 words)
scramjetmach9
Beautiful Places to Visit in Japan
TripAdvisor published a list of 20 beautiful spots to visit in Japan that are not so well known yet. Let this list inspire you when you plan your next trip - there are islands, forests, temples, and lakes included here that not every guidebook describes. Go out of the city and explore the nature an…(252 words)
David
How to Spend a Rainy Day, Local Style (Top 5 Recommendations)
In Japan, June is the Monsoon season. Many of the days are very moist and humid. Therefore, it’s good to know ways to have fun in Japan, even on a humid or rainy day. Here are my top 5 recommendations!HANWAY（ハンウェイ）1. Why not purchase a fancy Umbrella?@Roppongi HANWAYThe…(263 words)
Eddie